U.S. Capitol as the origin of DC's quadrant system

The U.S. Capitol serves as the geographic origin point for Washington, D.C.'s quadrant-based street system; North Capitol, South Capitol, East Capitol and the quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE) radiate from it. Because street names and numbers reset at the Capitol axes, many street names repeat in multiple quadrants (for example, there can be a 16th Street NW and a 16th Street NE), which is an uncommon urban addressing pattern. This layout can produce navigational confusion and is a distinctive feature of the city's geography.